Reports: Chip Kelly Talks With 49ers; Hue Jackson Next Up
SANTA CLARA (CBS-SF) – The search for a new head coach continued for the San Francisco 49ers Friday with reports the team has talked with fired Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly and plan to discuss the job with former Raiders head coach Hue Jackson.
Citing unnamed sources, the San Francisco Chronicle and CSN Bay Area reported that Kelly had reached out to the Niners about their opening and the team met with him on Thursday.
The club also reportedly talked with Buffalo Bills assistant head coach/running backs coach Anthony Lynn, according to CSN Bay Area 49ers reporter Matt Maiocco.
The 52-year-old Kelly was fired by the Eagles late last month after a tumultuous third season as the head coach. The team fell to 6-9 in 2015 – well below the club's preseason prediction as a contender for the NFC East division title.
Some Eagles players complained that Kelly was distant and unapproachable, though others supported him and his innovative ways.
Eagles team owner Jeffery Lurie said he decided to fire Kelly after he became disappointed with the club's direction.
"It was more the lack of progress and the trajectory where we were going," Lurie said when he announced Kelly's dismissal.
During his years at the helm of the Raiders offense, Oakland ranked among the top 10 teams in the NFL in offensive production.
He currently is the offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals and preparing for a Saturday night showdown on CBS Sports against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the AFC playoffs.
The 49ers reportedly will meet with Jackson on Sunday in Cincinnati.
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